Description
Leith Ross – To Learn – Vinyl Record
Released on May 19, 2023 through Republic Records, To Learn is the debut studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Leith Ross. Known for their tender vocals and candid lyricism, Ross had already built a devoted following with viral singles like “We’ll Never Have Sex” and “(You) On My Arm” before unveiling this full-length project. With To Learn, Ross established themselves as one of the most distinctive new voices in indie folk, offering a record that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
At its core, To Learn is an album about identity, love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Ross—who identifies as non-binary—infuses their songwriting with a rawness and honesty that connects deeply with listeners navigating their own complexities. Musically, the album leans toward stripped-down folk, indie pop, and acoustic balladry, with sparse arrangements that leave space for Ross’s delicate yet emotionally piercing voice to carry the weight of the songs.
The album opens with “5am,” a hushed and atmospheric track that sets the tone with vulnerability and a sense of restless longing. From there, the record unfolds like a diary set to music:
“We’ll Never Have Sex” – The breakout viral hit that introduced Ross to a global audience. It’s an achingly simple song—just voice and guitar—yet its emotional resonance is immense, offering a gentle but devastating reflection on intimacy and emotional boundaries.
“(You) On My Arm” – A tender love song that captures the joy and safety of queer love, balancing sincerity with lighthearted charm.
“Orlando” – Haunting and poetic, this track addresses themes of trauma, queerness, and resilience, its minimal instrumentation amplifying the emotional weight.
“Music Box” – Built on delicate guitar and Ross’s breathy vocals, this track feels like an intimate confessional whispered into the dark.
“Ask First” – A song about consent, boundaries, and self-respect, delivered with a quiet strength.
“To Me” and “Guts” – Tracks that highlight Ross’s gift for vulnerability, weaving melancholy with self-acceptance.
What sets To Learn apart is its quiet bravery. The production is intentionally understated, often just guitar, piano, and subtle ambient textures. This restraint allows the lyrics—confessional, poetic, and direct—to shine. Ross’s voice, fragile yet unshakably sincere, is the anchor: each word feels lived-in and true.
To Learn was praised for its emotional clarity and authenticity. Outlets like NME and The Line of Best Fit highlighted the album as one of the most affecting indie folk debuts in recent years. Fans embraced Ross not only as a songwriter but as a voice for queer representation in folk and indie pop—a space historically underrepresented.
Culturally, the album’s release resonated in an era where listeners increasingly seek honesty, intimacy, and vulnerability in music. Ross’s songs invite listeners into their world, but they also create a mirror for anyone struggling with questions of identity, love, or healing.
To Learn isn’t just a debut—it’s a statement of intent. By combining spare, haunting instrumentation with lyrics of radical vulnerability, Leith Ross crafted an album that feels timeless and necessary. It’s a record that affirms the power of softness in a world that often demands armor. For fans of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, or Adrianne Lenker, To Learn is essential listening.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
5am
I Just Don’t Think That You Like Me That Much Anymore
To Me
Interlude
Orlando
We’ll Never Have Sex
Guts
Ask First
Everything Ends
(You) On My Arm
To Learn
Too Much Time In My House Alone
